A tempest of revelations has erupted as the United Nations finalized its intricate probe into the purported involvement of certain UNRWA staff in a violent onslaught on Israel. This investigation, spearheaded by the Office of Oversight Services (OIOS), followed grave allegations from Israel that implicated UNRWA personnel in an assault resulting in over 1,200 deaths and the capture of 250 individuals.
🚨 UN finally admits staff ‘may have been involved’ in Oct 7 Hamas attack
This means even as Israel raised the alarm, we, as the Australian taxpayers, continued to fund terrorists.
Full story: https://t.co/aUuM89SoZ1
TIME TO DEFUND UNRWA pic.twitter.com/WFDY3JwwMr
— Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) August 6, 2024
As the UN’s highest investigative authority, the OIOS undertook a comprehensive examination of 19 UNRWA staff members. The results were a chaotic blend: one individual was absolved due to lack of evidence, nine others faced insufficient proof, yet nine staff members were enshrouded in enough suspicion to warrant their immediate dismissal. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini acted swiftly, terminating their contracts to maintain the agency’s integrity.
The scope of this investigation was extensive, with OIOS teams traveling to Israel for direct dialogues with officials and delving into vast data troves in Jordan. They meticulously reviewed communications and technological records, though they faced significant hurdles in independently verifying information provided by Israeli authorities.
Most of the October 7 Monsters were not UNRWA staff, that’s true. But nearly all were UNRWA graduates. Educated at the expense of American and European taxpayers. That’s horrific. Shut it down.
— Eylon Levy (@EylonALevy) August 6, 2024
The accusations first surfaced in January, involving 12 UNRWA staff members. The UN quickly identified and dismissed 10 employees, with two later confirmed dead. As the year unfolded, additional allegations emerged, prompting UN Secretary-General António Guterres to commission a thorough OIOS investigation and an independent review led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna.
Colonna’s review highlighted that UNRWA’s regulatory framework is among the most sophisticated within the UN system, designed to navigate the complex landscape of its operations. Commissioner-General Lazzarini reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to implementing the review’s recommendations, underscoring its dedication to neutrality and accountability.
“UNRWA kidnapped my son!”
Ayelet Samerano, whose son Jonathan’s body was taken by a UNRWA employee, calls out @UNLazzarini in Switzerland.@UNRWA staff held hostages in their Gaza homes & UNRWA resources were used by Hamas.
UNRWA is complicit. #DefundUNRWA #BringThemHomeNow pic.twitter.com/fxEy4LAxaD
— CIJA (@CIJAinfo) August 2, 2024
In a forceful declaration, Lazzarini condemned the October 7 attacks, calling for the immediate release of all hostages. He emphasized the extraordinary risks UNRWA staff face, noting that approximately 200 have lost their lives since the Gaza conflict began. Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of maintaining the integrity and safety of UNRWA employees who provide critical services in perilous conditions.
Major Points
- UN’s OIOS wraps up probe into UNRWA staff’s alleged involvement in an attack on Israel.
- Evidence insufficient against 10 staff members; nine others face termination for potential involvement.
- Philippe Lazzarini announces termination of nine implicated staff members.
- Investigators combed through data in Israel and Jordan, struggling with verification of Israeli info.
- UN stresses neutrality, condemns attacks, calls for hostage release, and supports endangered staff.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
